Learning Games & Activities Under $20 to Entertain Children During Quarantine
Denise Vasi
Managing work while having the kids home 24/7 has been no small task. It’s been a real adjustment for all of us. The good news is, we made it through week one. Yay! But no one knows how much longer we’ll be juggling working from home and homeschooling our children. While there are plenty of fun ways you can keep your littles entertained at home without buying a thing (post on that coming soon) sometimes, you need an activity to busy your child so that they can enjoy independent play, and you can enjoy a break. I wanted to share the games and activities I’m leaning on during this uncharted work-from-home era. They are all available for purchase on Amazon and all under $20. The best part about these games and activities is that they’re not only fun and distracting for the kiddos, but offer continued education and practice with spelling, reading, strategic thinking, fine motor skills, and more!
Not all of us were made to be school teachers (bless those who were), if you’re feeling that need for a moment of peace during this new quarantine era, do not feel guilty! We’re all doing the best we can!
Spelling, Match It!
This all-in-one puzzle and spelling game not only builds on their reading skills and encourages literacy confidence, but also touches on problem solving and fine motor skills with thick, durable cardboard and hand/eye coordination.
Volcano Lab, Experiment Kit
This reusable erupting volcano activity kit is perfect for your little mad scientists. It’s an easy to set-up and easy-to-clean take on classic experiments. Hands-on learning that allows them to explore earth science.
National Parks
Classic Jenga covers hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills, strategic thinking—you name it! But this edition also introduces an educational element on every block with facts about America’s National Parks.
Yoga Spinner
No recess? No problem! This interactive yoga game keeps you and the kids active by helping you get your flow on. Plus, it encourages teamwork, patience, and focus.
Grow 'N Glow Terrarium
Teach them about botany and the life cycle of plants with this DIY terrarium set. They can create their own ecosystem that will grow in as little as three days. Misting the terrarium is a daily chore that will teach your child responsibility, independence, and nurturing skills. Plus, the decorative stickers glow in the dark, which is always an extra layer of fun!
Old Maid
A modern version of the classic children’s card game—Old Maid, is the perfect starter card game for toddlers. A simple game that teaches children number recognition, matching, and pairing skills. This updated set features women and people of color in diverse occupations.
Gathering a Garden Board Game
This strategic board game will make your little think, count, and calculate their next move as they gather fruits, veggies, and flowers and grow a robust pretend garden.
Sight Words Bingo
Bingo + reading practice = more fun than you’d imagine! This version emphasizes fluency, typography, and spelling.
Connect 4 Game
If you don’t already have this classic game in your toy closet, now’s the time to buy it. Not only is it great for hand/eye coordination, but encourages strategic thinking and counting!
Uno Flip
Uno has it all—challenge, speed, hand/eye coordination. The added “flip” option makes this exciting game even more unpredictable.
Pop Bottle Science
Another kit for your future scientists. Pop Bottle Science explores the worlds of chemistry, physics, biology, geology, weather, the human body, and even astronomy! Plus, for continued learning, each experiment ends with a full explanation.
Adjustable Jump Rope
Help them burn up their energy and work on their coordination and concentration with this colorful jump rope.
Puppy Love Pillow
No sewing required. This fun activity encourages kids to build their concentration skills in an engaged and rewarding way. Plus, the result is adorable!
LEGO Frozen Toy Featuring Elsa and Olaf's Tea Party
LEGOS are an incredible way for children to perfect their fine motor skills. Not only that but they sometimes emotionally connect with the characters allowing them to explore their creativity and role-play. This Frozen set is an excellent way for your mini to build and then reenact their favorite movie.
LEGO Creator Mighty 3-in-1 Dinosaur Set
This LEGO Creator is a 3-in-1 dinosaur set that creates a T Rex, a Triceratops, and a Pterodactyl. This set is perfect for keeping your little builder busy for hours. Kids love the realistic dinosaur details like the moving head and tail and the razor-sharp teeth.
